Although modern vehicles are designed to withstand extreme Vancouver weather, their exteriors remain in a highly vulnerable state during the winter. The frigid temperature isn't the only cause for concern; you must deal with snow, road salt, ice, and sleet. These elements will put your car's exterior under immense stress.
How Ice and Snow Affect the Exterior
The exterior can quickly accumulate large amounts of ice and snow during the winter. If not removed in time or neglected, the accumulation is highly perilous. The ice buildup over the body may hinder air circulation, which could result in engine overheating.
For example, if the ice blocks front grill openings, no air gets to the engine, and it overheats. This may lead to a cracked radiator or a blown head gasket. So, if you think there's no way for your engine to overheat in frigid temperatures, you're mistaken.
The accumulation of snow on a frozen surface can also cause damage while driving. The excess weight of the snow makes steering difficult for you, and your vehicle could skid.
Why Is There Salt on the Road?
Road salt is used to melt ice and snow on the road surface. Although highly effective, the salt leaves contaminants that damage vehicles. The contaminants get stuck in wheel nuts or bolts and loosen over time. Road salts also corrode metal surfaces of your car's exterior and underbody. The last thing you want for your vehicle is to rust prematurely.
Sleet Adds to the Inconvenience
The freezing precipitation that falls in the form of rain contains road salts. So when sleet hits your vehicle's exterior, it leaves contaminants that affect components like windshield wipers, aluminum wheel rims, and paint surfaces. If you don't take measures to protect your car from sleet, it'll become more than just an inconvenience.
Between the salt, ice, and sleet, your vehicle's exterior takes a beating. However, you can safeguard your car against these harsh conditions by following these simple steps:
1 - Wash it regularly.
Wash the car frequently to keep salt away from body panels. Be sure to visit the car wash right after a snowstorm. At this time, runoff water is filthy and can be harmful to your car's exterior. The undercarriage warrants the most attention since it's also hit by road salt. If you don't clean the underbody, the salt will cause corrosion.
2 - Wax it to repel contaminants.
Waxing protects your car from sleet, road salts, and other winter elements that affect your car's paint job. It also adds shine which makes it easier to remove ice and snow. The wax also keeps the salt from adhering to the body.
3 – Use a car cover.
Car covers are a great way to protect your vehicle from the snow and other contaminants while you're not using them. If possible, opt for an elastic cover that can be tightened around the body panels using straps or drawstrings. Be sure to check the car cover for signs of wear before each use. You can also use a standard tarp that'll take you less time to set up and remove.
Car covers are a practical way to safeguard your vehicle's exterior during winter. However, you should know what type of car cover is ideal for your specific needs before purchasing.
4 - Consider adding a paint protection film.
The paint protection film is made from a thin polyurethane material that protects painted surfaces against contaminants. The transparent film prevents corrosion, rust, and paint scratches. It's also easy to apply and leaves behind no sticky residue upon removal. In addition, it reduces the appearance of rock chips while leaving an anti-graffiti effect on your car's body panels.
5 - Use winter tires.
Winter-rated tires have a deeper tread pattern to absorb both slush and ice. With the correct type of tire, your car will be better equipped to deal with harsh weather conditions. Of course, you can also use standard all-season or summer tires, but you should never forget that any time spent off the road is time for your car to accumulate salt.
Winter tires help maintain your car's exterior, but you must ensure you're using the correct size.
6 - Touch up.
Winter conditions, no matter how harsh they are, don't damage the interior of your car. However, this doesn't mean you shouldn't be aware of minor dents or scratches on the exterior. If possible, try to touch up these spots before winter arrives. You can use standard paint or automotive touch-up kits depending on the extent of the damage.
7 - Don't let wet leaves stick to the body.
Wet leaves falling on the roof and hood seem harmless, but they can damage the paint finish if you fail to remove them in time. In addition, if the leaves stay on the car long enough, the salt residue they carry will eventually corrode your vehicle's exterior and damage the paint job.
8 - Avoid large puddles and deep snow at all costs.
During winter, large puddles of water can freeze into sheets of ice that will damage your vehicle's exterior. Also, don't drive on deep snow that doesn't have a uniform bottom underneath. The snow may conceal debris that can damage your car's body panels if you wade through it.
Time for an Inspection
Lastly, bring your vehicle in for an inspection at the end of winter to Tiago’s Auto Spa to get a detail. The winter season takes its toll on your car's exterior and causes unseen damage. Likewise, there's no way of knowing if the extreme weather has affected the vehicle's performance unless you visit a car shop. Call Tiago’s Auto Spa today and book your appointment!